Kenny, the third son of Forrest Howard (Shorty) Ireland and Betty Nell Mansfield Ireland, was born in the old Sundet hospital at Kadoka, SD on July 28, 1946.
He grew up on the Ireland Angus Ranch south of Belvidere, SD along the White River.
He attended the community Buffalo School with his siblings, mostly by horseback. High School was in Belvidere then Kadoka, SD, graduating from KHS in 1964. He enrolled at Black Hills State University for summer courses and taught a year, on a Conditional Certificate, at Mansfield School, south of Long Valley, SD. Returning to BHSU he completed his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1969. He loved his years in collegiate sports as the “Rudy” of Black Hills State football team and bull rider for the National Champion Collegiate Rodeo Team.
1969 was a momentous year, graduating in May and marrying that cowboy's sweetheart, Lynden (Lyndy) Williams. Their first home was Winner, SD where he taught and coached. With a family on the way they made the decision to raise their children, Nicki and Vint, on the ranch, such a good life for kids. Early years were spent working on the Claude Allen Berry and Harold Ireland ranches, moving to Triangle Ranch near Cottonwood, SD, in the mid-70's, then to be his forever home ranch. There he worshiped his Creator every day on the wide-open prairies of Western South Dakota.
In addition to ranching, he subbed as a teacher in local schools, enjoyed working at Cottonwood Research Station, Philip Livestock Auction, Jedlicka Ditching and Jackson Co. Highway Department. Kenny was a certified EMT.
The consistent theme of his life was God, Country, Community, Family and Friendships. He put in to practice loving his fellow man through 4-H Leadership, Roping Clubs, Family Wagon Trains and other community endeavors. Those same values of service prompted him to become a member of the Masonic Lodge and Order of the Eastern Star, working endless hours on their charities and projects, immensely enjoying the friendship and fellowship. In 1998-99 he served as Grand Master of Masons in South Dakota and in 2012-13 as Worthy Grand Patron of the South Dakota's Order of Eastern Star. He enjoyed 25 years of greeting guests and sharing stories with countless visitors from around the world at Triangle Ranch Bed & Breakfast.
He has gone ahead to make welcome his beloved wife, Lyndy, his daughter Nicole Nelson (Wesley) and son Vincent Ireland (Amy), his grandsons James Nelson (Nylda) and Austin Ireland and his granddaughter, Ashley Rowles (Garrett). He will be waiting for his great-grandsons, Dakoda Stevens, Tanner Marone and Kadyn Westergren, his brothers Jerry Ireland (Pam), Howard Ireland (Cathy), Harold Ireland (Edie); sisters-in-law Thesa Ireland and Nancy Everett (Ray); and sister Connie Holso (Sieg). The reunion will be complete with his much-loved nephews, nieces and their families.
Kenny has been joyfully greeted by his parents, his brother Ronnie Ireland, his father and mother-in-law, Vint and Louisa Williams and Jenn (Jennifer Nelson) his beloved granddaughter and others he has missed so long.
A visitation will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 9, with a prayer service starting at 6:30 p.m. and an OES service starting at 7 p.m. at Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 10, at the Fine Arts Gymnasium in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Burial will follow at the Triangle Ranch Family Cemetery.
Donations in Kenny's honor can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at www.cff.org
Guest Book
Lyndy and family, remembering Kenny and the many good visits and cups of coffee at the Triangle Ranch. Always appreciated his encouragement on our musical journey, and his humor when our songs were a little sour. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Justin and Joyce Wheeler
Philip, SD (10/7/2021)
I am so saddened by this news. I watched via FB, over time, how Kenny and Lyndy and their family made so many happy memories. I have a lot of good memories during the short times I spent with this family, mainly babysitting, but Kenny always had a smile on his face. He truly will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all his family he left behind.
~ Roberta Coller
Kendall, WI (10/10/2021)
Lyndy and family so sorry to hear of Kenny's passing. We sure enjoyed Kenny's stories and friendship through the years Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Steve, Terry, Brian, Brad & Dustin
Sioux Falls SD (10/6/2021)
Kenny was a very special guy, he always had a smile on his face. We enjoyed our visits with him. Hold on to all the memories.
~ Les & Joann Pearson
Philip, S.D. (10/6/2021)
Kenny was a terrific neighbor and great person. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a pleasure to talk to about current events. As a hard worker he accomplished so much. He will be missed.
~ Edward Kodet
Belvidere / Minneapolis (10/18/2021)
To a father whom was always there for me weather it was working on a project or playing cards or even driving along the creek hunting while eating turtle cookies and drinking coffee ,I will always love you and miss you. Forever your loving son Vincent H. Ireland
~ Vincent H. Ireland
Rapid city (10/13/2021)
Lyndie, Vint and Nicki we are so saddened to hear this news. Kenny was such a gentle, caring and family man. Enjoyed our years as neighbors, friends, co-workers and family ties. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
~ Glen and Rose Bennett
Philip SD (10/4/2021)
I am so sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to the families. I wish you comfort and strength as you remember this life. Sending you my deepest condolences.
~ Mary Beth Johnson
Hill City, SD (10/5/2021)
RIP our Worthy Patron. You were very special to us!
~ Linda Stilwell
Kadoka (10/4/2021)
I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and prayers for comfort and lots of happy memories.
~ Kathy
Anamosa, IA (10/6/2021)
I will miss my friend. Rest In Peace Kenny.
~ Dale Richardson
St. Onge S. Dak (10/13/2021)
Lyndy, so sorry for your loss. Kenny was a valiant fighter to the end. I have many wonderful memories of our friendship through Eastern Star. Kenny was such a great person and happy and cheerful and will be missed by so many. OES love, Margare Sager
~ Margaret Sager
19660 Mossing Lane, Speafish, SD 57783 (10/5/2021)
So very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to the family.
~ Julie McLaughlin
Midland, SD (10/7/2021)
My heart and prayers go out to the Irelands, I have been neighbors with Vince and Amy, Ashley and Austin for many many years. Our families became a family. I'm very sorry for all of your families Loss.
Love you all. Stay strong hes in a better place and no more suffering.
~ Chase Cramer
Rapid City, SD (10/8/2021)
Lyndy and family. Sorry to hear of Kenny's passing. Thoughts and Prayers.
~ Tim and Peggy Lester
Austin, TX (10/5/2021)
For over a decade and a half I've had the privilege of knowing this fine cowboy, and my wife, Kathleen, and I will miss him greatly. A man of humor, caring, and 'smarts' - he and I hit it off when we first met years ago, as if we had been friends for centuries. I know that Triangle Ranch guests reveled in meeting him, too, as he shared his jokes and stories around the dining room table. Those are memories I will never lose, and dearly, dearly miss. Thank you, Kenny - and Lindy - for being our main attraction between Kansas City & Montana for so many years, and making us always feel a part of your family. We feel your loss.
Kathleen & Eric Berndt
~ Eric R. Berndt
Overland Park (10/4/2021)
Lyndy and family, our deepest sympathy for you all at this time. Let God hold you all in His hands and give you strength and peace. Death takes the body. God takes the soul. Our mind holds the memories. Our heart keeps the love. Our faith lets us know we will meet again.
~ Kenny and Robin Stoner
Murdo, SD (10/5/2021)
So sorry to hear about Kenny. He had one of the biggest heats and gave so much of himself to everyone he knew. That huge, over the top personality and always a hug!
~ Coleen Kayras
Sturgis (10/5/2021)
Our deepest sympathies and prayers for you Lindy, Nicki and Vint. Kenny will long be remembered for his gentle kindness and his wonderful smile. We are so sorry for your loss.
~ Barbara and Morris Jones
Midland (10/5/2021)
Sorry to hear of Kenny's passing. Lindy, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Andrew Eisenbraun
Rapid City (10/4/2021)
Butler, KY
~ Thomas Costello
13299 Alexandria Pk (10/16/2021)
Lyndy and Family, thoughts and prayers going your way.
~ Hank Reinsch
Flower Mound, Texas (10/11/2021)
Condolences to Lyndee and other relatives so sorry to hear this sad news and prayers and love from the Dennis Family
~ Ruvonne Dennis
Rapid City SD (10/5/2021)
My sympathy and prayers to Lyndy and the family. He was a wonderful and caring man. He will be missed.
~ Kay Foland
Rapid City (10/9/2021)
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and prayers to you.
~ Bonnie Fitzgerald
Memphis (10/5/2021)
~ Jerry and Carol Tucker
112 Stillwater Road Chula, Georgia 31733 (10/5/2021)
Our thoughts and prayers to you. May memories help ease the pain.
~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter
Kadoka (10/5/2021)
We are truly sorry for your loss. Kenny will be missed and forever remembered by many.
~ Steve & Tammie Reinsch
Corinth, TX (10/6/2021)
Nicki and family: I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers being sent.
~ Mary Jo Jones
Midland. SD (10/6/2021)
So sorry to hear the loss of Kenny! I really enjoyed the visits with Kenny and was happy for him last year when he harvested his buck!! Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers Lyndi and family!!
~ Greg Miller
Bruce ,SD (10/5/2021)
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Kenny! We were out there in August and stayed at the Tri Angel for a few days! Was a quite a visit for me. I learn a lot setting there visiting with Kenny, things I didn't know B4. That trip will be charished! Condolences to Lyndy and the family! RIP Kenny Ireland! You are missed!
~ Charles Jobgen
Clontarf (10/10/2021)
Dear Lyndy, Vint, and Nicki
I was saddened to hear that Kenny
had lost his final, mortal battle. Its
suddeness was totally unexpected -- by
me at any rate.
Having endured a similar loss not
so long ago, I can empathize with what
you are all going through. The hole
in your heart that death leaves behind
can never be completely eradicated, it
will ever so slowly dissipate.
Love to you all,
Virgil
~ Virgil V. Williams
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN (10/9/2021)
So sorry for your loss. Kenny enjoyed giving me a bad time at the hardware store. It was always fun visiting with him He will be missed.
~ Rose Luedeman
Wall (10/7/2021)
We always enjoyed our visits to the Triangle Ranch and our visits with Lyndy and Kenny. May you be comforted by God's presence during your time of loss and rejoice in the reunion that will some day be!
~ Kenton and Autumn Hofer
Bridgewater, Sd (10/13/2021)